Abstract: In
the competitive market, virtual teams represent a growing response to
the need for fasting time-to-market, low-cost and rapid solutions to
complex organizational problems. Virtual teams enable organizations to
pool the talents and expertise of employees and non-employees by
eliminating time and space barriers. Nowadays, companies are heavily
investing in virtual team to enhance their performance and
competitiveness. Despite virtual teams growing prevalence, relatively
little is known about this new form of team. Hence the study offers an
extensive literature review with definitions of virtual teams and a
structured analysis of the present body of knowledge of virtual teams.
First, we distinguish virtual teams from conventional teams, different
types of virtual teams to identify where current knowledge applies.
Second, we distinguish what is needed for effective virtual team
considering the people, process and technology point of view and
underlying characteristics of virtual teams and challenges they entail.
Finally, we have identified and extended 12 key factors that need to be
considered, and describes a methodology focused on supporting virtual
team working, with a new approach that has not been specifically
addressed in the existing literature and some guide line for future
research extracted.

Abstract: Small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the driving engine behind economic
growth. While SMEs play a critical role in generating employment and
supporting trade, they face numerous challenges, the prominent among
them are the need to respond to fasting time-to-market, low-cost and
rapid solutions to complex organizational problems. Towards that end,
research and development (R & D) aspect deserves particular
attention to promote and facilitate the operations of SMEs. Virtual R
& D team could be a viable option. However, literature shows that
virtual R & D teaming in SMEs is still at its infancy. This article
provides a comprehensive literature review on different aspects of
virtual R & D teams collected from the reputed publications. The
purpose of the state-of-the-art literature review is to provide an
overview on the structure and dynamics of R & D collaboration in
SMEs. Specifying the foundation and importance of virtual teams, the
relationship between virtual R & D team and SMEs has been examined.
It concludes with the identification of the gaps in the existing
literatures and calls for future research. It is argued that setting-up
an infrastructure for virtual R & D team in SMEs still requires a
large amount of engineering efforts and deserves consideration at top
level management.

Abstract: Due
to the effect of citation impact on The Higher Education (THE) world
university ranking system, most of the researchers are looking for some
helpful techniques to increase their citation record. This paper by
reviewing the relevant articles extracts 33 different ways for
increasing the citations possibilities. The results show that the
article visibility has tended to receive more download and citations.
This is probably the first study to collect over 30 different ways to
improve the citation record. Further study is needed to explore and
expand these techniques in specific fields of study in order to make the
results more precisely.

Abstract: Small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are indeed the engines of global
economic growth. Their continued growth is a major subject for the
economy and employment of any country. Towards that end, virtual
research and development (R&D) could be a viable option to sustain
and ease the operations of SMEs. However, literature shows there has not
been a great deal of research into the diverse characteristic of
virtual R&D teams in SMEs. This article provides a comprehensive
literature review on different aspects of virtual R&D teams
collected from the reputed publications. The purpose of the literature
review is to provide an outline on the structure and dynamics of R&D
collaboration in SMEs. Specifying the rationale and relevance of
virtual teams, the relationship between virtual R&D team for SMEs
and new product development (NPD) has been examined. It concludes with
identifying the gaps and feebleness in the existing literatures and
calls for future research in this area. It is argued to form of virtual
R&D team deserves consideration at top level management for
venturing into the new product development within SMEs.

Virtual teams, small and medium enterprises, new product development, R&D

Abstract: In
today’s dynamic marketplace, manufacturing companies are under strong
pressure to introduce new products for long-term survival with their
competitors. Nevertheless, every company cannot cope up progressively or
immediately with the market requirements due to knowledge dynamics
being experienced in the competitive milieu. Increased competition and
reduced product life cycles put force upon companies to develop new
products faster. In response to these pressing needs, there should be
some new approach compatible in flexible circumstances. This paper
presents a solution based on the popular Stage-Gate system, which is
closely linked with virtual team approach. Virtual teams can provide a
platform to advance the knowledge-base in a company and thus to reduce
time-to-market. This article introduces conceptual product development
architecture under a virtual team umbrella. The paper describes all the
major aspects of new product development (NPD), NPD process and its
relationship with virtual teams, Stage-Gate system finally presents a
modified Stage-Gate system to cope up with the changing needs. It also
provides the guidelines for the successful implementation of virtual
teams in new product development.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

29 Apr 13

Last Revised:

09 May 13

355

(46,804)

Abstract: Nowadays,
the world’s scientific community has been publishing an enormous number
of papers in different scientific fields. In such environment, it is
essential to know which databases are equally efficient and objective
for literature searches. It seems that two most extensive databases are
Web of Science and Scopus. Besides searching the literature, these two
databases used to rank journals in terms of their productivity and the
total citations received to indicate the journals impact, prestige or
influence. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive comparison
of these databases to answer frequent questions which researchers ask,
such as: How Web of Science and Scopus are different? In which aspects
these two databases are similar? Or, if the researchers are forced to
choose one of them, which one should they prefer? For answering these
questions, these two databases will be compared based on their
qualitative and quantitative characteristics.

Abstract: Innovation
plays a central role in economic development, at the regional and
national level. In the competitive environment companies are obliged to
produce more rapidly, more effectively and more efficiently in new
product development, which is a result of research and development
(R&D) activities. It is necessary for them to put together different
capabilities and services with the goal, through cooperation between
suppliers and customers, service providers and scientific institutions
to achieve innovations of high quality. Depending on the type of
industry, the type of business, the type of innovation and the strategic
objectives that have been set, firms will regularly have to modify the
way in which their R&D and innovation are organized. Nowadays, shift
from serial to simultaneous and parallel working in innovation has
become more commonplace. Literatures have shown that collaboration is as
a meta-capability for innovation. By a comprehensive reviewing of
literature this article after define virtual teams and its
characteristics, addressing virtual environment innovation and the
relationship to R&D activities. Finally conclude that innovation
cannot be successful, unless the knowledge and information in the
R&D project are effectively captured, shared and internalized by the
R&D project’s virtual team members.

Abstract: New
interaction tools such as internet allow companies to gain valuable
input from research and development (R&D) engineers via virtual
teams. Consequently, engineers also get more expertise in diminutive
time frames. Virtual R&D teams present the key impetus to the
technology acquisition process. The present knowledge-economy era is
characterized by short product life-cycles. Virtual R&D teams may
reduce time-to-market, make available a large pool of new product
know-how and provide greater flexibilities, which are the key success
factors in a competitive market. This comprehensive review contains
almost 100 references and covers the recent literature with emphasis on
the topic. The review has focused on authentic and reputed publications
and extracts the results. This article presents the type of virtual
teams and their main features and explains how virtual R&D team can
play a prominent role in developing new products. The article is evolved
future study guideline and also illustrates how to apply virtual
interaction tools and integrate engineers into the innovation process.
Management of virtual R&D teams in new product development (NPD)
processes in an innovative, effective and efficient is of a high
importance, but the issue has been poorly addressed in the previous
studies. Findings show that virtual R&D team provides valuable input
for new product development and R&D engineers are able to attain
virtual experience.

Abstract: Collaboration
is becoming increasingly important in creating the knowledge that makes
business more competitive. Virtual teams are growing in popularity [1]
and many organizations have responded to their dynamic environments by
introducing virtual teams. Additionally, the rapid development of new
communication technologies such as the Internet has accelerated this
trend so that today, most of the larger organization employs virtual
teams to some degree [2]. A growing number of flexible and adaptable
organizations have explored the virtual environment as one means of
achieving increased responsiveness [3]. Howells et al. [4] state that
the shift from serial to simultaneous and parallel working has become
more commonplace. Based on conventional information technologies and
Internet-based platforms virtual environments may be used to sustain
companies’ progress through virtual interaction and communication.

Abstract: As
a result of globalization and advances in information and communication
technologies, the increased use of virtual teams in business has become
prominent. In the competitive environment companies are obliged to
produce more rapidly, more effectively and more efficiently. It is
necessary for them to put together different capabilities and services
with the goal, through cooperation between suppliers and customers,
service providers and scientific institutions to achieve firm’s
objective with high quality. Nowadays shift from serial to simultaneous
and parallel working in entity has become more commonplace. Literatures
have shown that collaboration is as a meta-capability for companies.
This article after define a virtual teams and its characteristics,
addressing virtual environments and relationship with different
challenges which organization should deal them such as management and
employee challenges. Finally conclude that managers of company should
invest less in tangible assets, but more in virtual team to generate
knowledge, and in their employees’ creativity to stimulate incremental
innovations in already existing technologies that will directly generate
their future competitive advantage. Companies must educate everyone,
not just virtual employees, on the virtual team culture but both
employees and managers need to understand the dealing aspects with
virtual team.

Abstract: Increasingly
competitive global markets and accelerating technological changes have
increased the need for people to contact via electronic medium to have
daily updates, the people those who could not able to meet face to face
every day. Those who contact via electronic medium i.e. Virtual Team,
are having number of benefit but to achieve these potential benefits,
however, leaders need to overcome liabilities inherent in the lack of
direct contact among team members and managers. Team members may not
naturally know how to interact effectively across space and time. By
this paper author try to throw some lights on the challenges that
virtual team faces and try to elaborate what is needed for Virtual Team.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Ale Ebrahim, Nader

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

14 Oct 11

224

(78,701)

Abstract: This
paper examines the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in
Iran by applying the structural equation modelling (SEM). Using the
annual time series data for the 1991-2006 period, two models were
developed. In the first model the correlation between 12 determining
factors and FDI in Iran were analyzed and in the second model the 12
factors were fit into five categories of determinants namely: Business,
Economic, Infrastructural, Oil and Science and Technology and the impact
of each of the mentioned groups of factors was investigated.

The
results derived through the first model indicated that openness of
trade and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita have a significant
positive impact on FDI in Iran, while along with inflation, oil
extraction and production had a surprisingly negative correlation with
FDI. The results also suggested that infrastructural factors pertaining
to telecommunications in addition to market size, research and
development (R&D), education and the scientific output encourage FDI
inflows in Iran.

The second model output estimates revealed that
the business factors promote FDI most and interestingly once more the
oil factor proved to have a negative impact on the FDI inflows to Iran.

Abstract: Small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered as an engine for economic
growth all over the world and especially for developing countries.
During the past decade, new product development (NPD) has increasingly
been recognized as a critical factor in ensuring the continued survival
of SMEs. On the other hand, the rapid rate of market and technological
changes has accelerated in the past decade, so this turbulent
environment requires new methods and techniques to bring successful new
products to the marketplace. Virtual team can be a solution to answer
the requested demand. However, literature have shown no significant
differences between traditional NPD and virtual NPD in general, whereas
NPD in SME’s virtual team has not been systematically investigated in
developing countries. This paper aims to bridge this gap by first
reviewing the NPD and its relationship with virtuality and then
identifies the critical factors of NPD in virtual teams. The statistical
method was utilized to perform the required analysis of data from the
survey. The results were achieved through factor analysis at the
perspective of NPD in some Malaysian and Iranian manufacturing firms (N =
191). The 20 new product development factors were grouped into five
higher level constructs. It gives valuable insight and guidelines, which
hopefully will help managers of firms in developing countries to
consider the main factors in NPD.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

17 Jun 13

159

(109,384)

Abstract: With
the increasing use of information and communications technology (ICT),
researchers are able to use computer software tools to find, organise,
manipulate, analyse, and share relevant information. However, there are
hundreds of such tools to select from, for various research-related
uses. I have collected over 700 tools that can help researchers do their
work efficiently. It is assembled as an interactive Web-based mind map,
titled Research Tools, which is updated periodically. Created using the
MindMeister software platform, Research Tools provides a convenient
interface with zoom in/out, screen drag, and other user-friendly
features.

Being a mind map, Research Tools consists of a hierarchical set of
nodes. It has four main nodes: (1) Searching the literature, (2) Writing
a paper, (3) Targeting suitable journals, and (4) Enhancing visibility
and impact, and six auxiliary nodes. In the mind map, each parent node
has several child nodes associated with it, which can be accessed by
clicking on the plus (&#43;) sign. Several free tools can be found
in the child nodes. Some paid tools are also included.

The four main nodes are described below, listing some tools as
examples. In the mind map, a green tick sign indicates my preference for
some tools. Users can access the tools by clicking on the arrow sign
that appears next to the tool title.

Abstract: This
paper explores potential advantages of using virtual teams for small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a comprehensive review on
various aspects of virtual teams. Based on the standing of the pertinent
literatures, attempt has been made to study the aspects by online
survey method in Iran and Malaysia. In both countries, SMEs play an
important role in their economies, employments, and capacity building.
Virtual R&D team can be one of the means to increase SMEs efficiency
and competitiveness in their local as well as global markets. In this
context, surveys have been conducted to evaluate the effects of
virtuality to the growth of SMEs. The study addresses some differences
between two countries in engaging virtual research and development
(R&D) teams in their SMEs. It is observed that there is a
significant difference between the SMEs turnover that employed virtual
team and that did not employ the virtual team. The way for further
studies and recommend improvements are proposed.

Abstract: The
number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those
involved with research and development (R&D) programs and employed
virtual teams to create the greatest competitive advantage from limited
labor are increasing. Global and localized virtual R&D teams are
believed to have high potential for the growth of SMEs. Due to the
fast-growing complexity of new products coupled with new emerging
opportunities of virtual teams, a collaborative approach is believed to
be the future trend. This research explores the effectiveness of
virtuality in SMEs’ virtual R&D teams. Online questionnaires were
emailed to Malaysian manufacturing SMEs and 74 usable questionnaires
were received, representing a 20.8 percent return rate. In order to
avoid biases which may result from pre-suggested answers, a series of
open-ended questions were retrieved from the experts. This study was
focused on analyzing an open-ended question, whereby four main themes
were extracted from the experts’ recommendations regarding the
effectiveness of virtual teams for the growth and performance of SMEs.
The findings of this study would be useful to product design managers of
SMEs in order to realize the key advantages and significance of virtual
R&D teams during the new product development (NPD) process. This in
turn, leads to increased effectiveness in new product development's
procedure.

Abstract: The
number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those
involved with research and development (R&D) programs and employed
virtual teams to create the greatest competitive advantage from limited
labor are increasing. Global and localized virtual R&D teams are
believed to have a high potential for SMEs growth. Due to the fast
growing complexity of the new product, coupled with new emerging
opportunities of virtual teams, a collaborative approach is believed to
be the future trend. This research explores the effectiveness of
virtuality in SMEs virtual R&D teams. An online questionnaire
emailed to Malaysian manufacturing SMEs and 74 usable questionnaires
were received, representing a 20.8 percent return rate. To avoid the
bias that may result from pre-suggested answer, a series of open-ended
questions asked from expertise. This study based on analyzing an
open-ended question; extract four main themes among expertise
recommendations on the effectiveness of virtual teams for SMEs growth
and performance. These are suitable for SMEs new product design manager
to realize the key advantage and importance of virtual R&D teams in
the process of NPD, which lead to increase the effectiveness of the new
product's procedure.

Abstract: At
present, the existing literature shows that the factors which influence
the effectiveness of virtual teams for new product development are
still ambiguous. To address this problem, a research design was
developed, which includes detailed literature review, preliminary model
and field survey. From literature review, the factors which influence
the effectiveness of virtual teams are identified and these factors are
modified using a field survey. The relationship between knowledge
workers (people), process and technology in virtual teams is explored in
this study. The results of the study suggest that technology and
process are tightly correlated and need to be considered early in
virtual teams. The use of software as a service, web solution, report
generator and tracking system should be incorporated for effectiveness
virtual teams.

Abstract: Small
firms are indeed the engines of global economic growth. Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role to promote economic
development. SMEs in the beginning of implementing new technologies
always face capital shortage and need technological assistance.
Available ERP systems do not fulfil the specific requirements of Small
firms. SMEs has scarce resources and manpower therefore many SMEs don‟t
have the possessions to buy and operate an ERP System. On the other hand
competition and competitiveness of SMEs have to be strengthened. This
paper briefly reviews the existing perspectives on virtual teams and
their effect on SMEs management. It also discusses the main
characteristics of virtual teams and clarifies the differences aspects
of virtual team application in SMEs. After outlining some of the main
advantages and pitfall of such teams, it concentrates on comparing of
ERP and virtual collaborative teams in SMEs. Finally, it provides
evidence for the need of “Software as a Service (SaaS)” where an
application is hosted as a service provided to customers across the web
for SMEs as an alternative of ERP. It has been widely argued that ERP
disadvantage in SMEs such as administrative expenditure and cost,
isolated structure, severe lack of software flexibility, insufficient
support of SMEs business and high operating cost, lead SMEs to use
virtual collaborative team which is net work base solution.

Abstract: Research
and development (R&D) activities are fundamental drivers of value
creation in today’s technology-based Small and Medium enterprises
(SMEs). Seemingly, a successful R&D is a task of innovation
processes and development of R&D networks with allied companies.
There is a perceived lack of understanding regarding the importance of
SMEs and their need to continuously enhancing their technological
capabilities for the purpose of establishing them in dominant market
positions. This article presents R&D network issues from the
perspective of their impact on value creation in SMEs. The fundamental
trend to enable SMEs towards creation of new knowledge and diffuse in
and transfer that to other SME''s could be achieved by developing of
collaborative environments and networks to increase their innovation
capabilities as a single unit as well as the capabilities of the network
as a whole through collective learning. SMEs seem to be the appropriate
units to behave like network nodes because of their lean structure,
adaptability to market evolution, active involvement of versatile human
resources, ability to establish sub-contracting relations and good
technological level for their products. SMEs not only shape the larger
outcome, but also constrain actions of the state and MNCs in
demand-responsive, buyer-driven networks. The objective of this article
is the notice to creation of a network of SMEs that are geographically
dispersed but virtually linked so that the participating members focus
on their specialized tasks yet also share their knowledge and experience
on resources to create an agile structured and flexible enterprise.

Abstract: Literature
proves the importance of the role of information technology in
increasing the effectiveness of virtual R&D teams’ communication for
new product development. However, the factors that make information
technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous.
Managers of virtual R&D teams for new product development do not
know “which type of technology should be used”. To address the gap and
answer the question, the paper presents a set of factors that make a
construct that contribute to effective communication strategy for
virtual R&D teams. The proposed construct has been modified based on
the findings of a field survey. This work empirically examines the
relationship between information technology construct and its factors by
employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A measurement model is
built based on the 19 preliminary chosen factors that have been
extracted from literature review. The result shows that 10 factors can
make a technology construct. These 10 factors can be grouped into two
different constructs, namely Web-based communication and Web-based data
sharing. The study findings can help new product developers to
concentrate on the main factors for leading effective communications
among virtual R&D team members. In addition, this work provides a
guideline for software developers to create appropriate tools for
virtual R&D teams.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Ale Ebrahim, Nader

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

08 Apr 11

94

(164,661)

Abstract: Research
and development has always played a strategically important role in the
survival and the growth of technology-based firms. R&D is
positively linked to company performance measures such as sales,
productivity and shareholder returns and in addition to this, facing
increased competition, as a result of globalization the viability of
many established firms is based on the efficiency of their R&D
activities. Similar to other business models, R&D systems are
characterized by complex structure and dynamic behavior. It's often
difficult to predict or trace the consequences of certain decisions due
to the existence of delays, non-linearities and causal feedback inherent
to such systems, in other words, the effect of making a decision in one
part of the R&D function can manifest itself in another part of the
business system at an unexpected time. There's a widely held belief
that System Dynamics is the only way for challenging the increasing
complexity of decision making in general and the best solution to avoid
unintended consequences. This paper investigates the links between
complex decision making in R&D management by describing how a
dynamic simulation model, which broadly characterizes the causal
feedback structure and the dynamic behavior of a typical R&D system,
can be built to increase R&D systems efficiency. In this paper,
first we start with defining R&D and its different types, and
highlighting the importance of R&D. Then systems are defined and we
explore complexity and its different types within the systems. As the
next step we provide an answer to the question, how decision making
complexities are originated in R&D. Then we take a brief look at the
history of system dynamics and we become familiar with system dynamics
tools (i.e. Causal Loop Diagrams and Stock and Flow Diagrams). Finally
we get into modeling complexities faced in R&D decision making by
system dynamics approach, starting from basic models and ending with
more complex ones.

Abstract: Virtual
teams give many advantages to organizations, including increased
knowledge sharing and improve organizational performance. Virtual teams
have altered the expectations and boundaries of knowledge worker’s
interactions and make a new opportunity to develop the business. In this
paper, we present summary results of an online survey. The online
questionnaire was emailed by using a simple random sampling method to
356 Malaysian manufacturing small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The findings of this study show that SMEs in Malaysia are gaining to use
virtual teams, and it can be concluded that virtual teams provide a new
platform for developing the business in SMEs. Based on the study, we
suggest avenues for future research that are important to advancing our
understanding of virtual team effects on business growth.

National University of Malaysia - Research Center for Islamic Economics and Finance (EKONIS-UKM)

Ale Ebrahim, Nader

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

28 Apr 13

Last Revised:

09 May 13

78

(185,266)

Abstract: Journal
impact factor (IF) as a gauge of influence and impact of a particular
journal comparing with other journals in the same area of research,
reports the mean number of citations to the published articles in
particular journal. Although, IF attracts more attention and being used
more frequently than other measures, it has been subjected to
criticisms, which overcome the advantages of IF. Critically, extensive
use of IF may result in destroying editorial and researchers’ behaviour,
which could compromise the quality of scientific articles. Therefore,
it is the time of the timeliness and importance of a new invention of
journal ranking techniques beyond the journal impact factor.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Posted:

08 Apr 11

77

(186,720)

Abstract: Virtualization
caused tremendous evolution in the economics of marketing channels,
patterns of physical distribution and the structure of distributors and
developed a new concept that is known as virtual marketing (VM). VM
combines the powerful technologies of interactive marketing and virtual
reality. Virtual enterprise (VE) refers to an organization not having a
clear physical locus. In other words, VE is an organization distributed
geographically and whose work is coordinated through electronic
communications. It should be mentioned that here VE encompasses all
other similar phrases like Virtual company, virtual corporation, etc.
One of the greatest challenges facing business owners and managers both
for traditional and virtual organizations is finding a way to
cost-effectively communicate frequently and consistently with their
target markets; and the virtual marketing perform this function at the
best possible. In this paper, we focus on the concept of Virtual
marketing in virtual enterprises.

Abstract: In
this paper, advantages and drawbacks of virtual teams in research and
development (R&D) are studied. With the globalization of commercial
practices and advances in information and communication technologies,
increasing numbers of enterprises are establishing cross-functional,
geographically distributed virtual teams. Virtual teams in R&D are
designed to access external resources and knowledge to maximize the
competitive advantage from limited labor and resources. A survey has
been conducted on 210 Malaysian and Iranian manufacturing companies,
aimed to investigate the characteristics of R&D collaborations and
extract the main advantages/disadvantages’ factors of virtual teams.
These factors can be a guide line for R&D manager to achieve better
performance of virtual teams.

Abstract: Purpose
- The literature on the topic has evolved exponentially since eight
years ago. Relaying on a review of studies published in recent years,
this article proposes and discusses a framework which incorporates a set
of virtual teams involved in a new product development initiative.

Design/methodology/approach
- A range of academic and practitioner literature related to virtual
teams and virtual new product development is reviewed. What is Virtual
New Product Development and what determines its development in
manufacturing firms? These two questions are answered.

Findings -
The decision to use a virtual team is often a necessity and not a
choice; being ‘virtual’ is in most cases not an alternative but a
requirement. Enterprise may benefit from building and maintain the
virtual teams in a number of ways such as achieving higher quality,
accessing and capturing dispersed knowledge and skills regarding the
multifunctional and multi-use components and modules, electronically
unite experts in highly specialized fields, collaborating more
productivity at a distance, achieving tight schedules and start quickly,
reducing travel time and cost, enabling the recruitment of talented
employees, builds diverse teams, promoting proactive employment and
finally reducing discrimination in enterprises.

Originality/value
- The results of an academic literature review were employed to the
literature so far has not paid adequate attention to the virtual team
activities in NPD. The results highlight several avenues which would
help managers and policy makers to better foster cyber new product
development and designers to better channel of their efforts in the
design and manufacturing domain.

Abstract: Problem
statement: Although, literature proves the importance of the technology
role in the effectiveness of virtual Research and Development (R&D)
teams for new product development. However, the factors that make
technology construct in a virtual R&D team are still ambiguous. The
manager of virtual R&D teams for new product development does not
know which type of technology should be used. Approach: To address the
gap and answer the question, the study presents a set of factors that
make a technology construct. The proposed construct modified by finding
of the field survey (N = 240). We empirically examine the relationship
between construct and its factors by employing the Structural Equation
Modeling (SEM). A measurement model built base on the 19 preliminary
factors that extracted from literature review. The result shows 10
factors out of 19 factors maintaining to make technology construct.
Results: These 10 technology factors can be grouped into two constructs
namely Web base communication and Web base data sharing. The findings
can help new product development managers of enterprises to concentrate
in the main factors for leading an effective virtual R&D team. In
addition, it provides a guideline for software developers as well.
Conclusion: The second and third generation technologies are now more
suitable for developing new products through virtual R&D teams.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

06 Jun 13

70

(197,299)

Abstract: h-index
retrieved by citation indexes (Scopus, Google scholar, and Web of
Science) is used to measure the scientific performance and the research
impact studies based on the number of publications and citations of a
scientist. It also is easily available and may be used for performance
measures of scientists, and for recruitment decisions. The aim of this
study is to investigate the difference between the outputs and results
from these three citation databases namely Scopus, Google Scholar, and
Web of Science based upon the h-index of a group of highly cited
researchers (Nobel Prize winner scientist). The purposive sampling
method was adopted to collect the required data. The results showed that
there is a significant difference in the h-index between three citation
indexes of Scopus, Google scholar, and Web of Science; the Google
scholar h-index was more than the h-index in two other databases. It was
also concluded that there is a significant positive relationship
between h-indices based on Google scholar and Scopus. The citation
indexes of Scopus, Google scholar, and Web of Science may be useful for
evaluating h-index of scientists but they have some limitations as well.

Abstract: Literature
proves the importance of the process role in the effectiveness of
virtual research and development (R&D) teams for new product
development (NPD). However, the factors that make process construct in a
virtual R&D team are still unclear. The manager of virtual R&D
teams for NPD does not know which items of process should be used. To
address the gap and answer the question, the study presents a set of
factors that make a process construct. The proposed construct modified
by finding of the field survey. We empirically examine the relationship
between construct, dimensions and its factors by employing the
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A measurement model built base on
the 13 preliminary factors that extracted from literature review. The
result shows 9 factors out of 13 factors maintaining to make process
construct. These factors can be grouped into two dimensions namely
generating report and collaborative system. The findings can help new
product development managers of enterprises to concentrate in the main
factors for leading an effective virtual R&D team. In addition, it
provides a guideline for future research.

Abstract: With
the advent of the global economy and high-speed Internet, online
collaboration is fast becoming the norm in education and industry [1].
Information technology (IT) creates many new inter-relationships among
businesses, expands the scope of industries in which a company must
compete to achieve the competitive advantage. Information systems and
technology allow companies to coordinate their activities in distant
geographic locations [2]. IT is providing the infrastructure necessary
to support the development of new collaboration forms among industry and
education. Virtual research and development (R&D) teams represent
one such relational form, one that could revolutionize the workplace and
provide organizations with unprecedented levels of flexibility and
responsiveness [3-4].

Abstract: In
this paper, we present our more than two years research experiences on
virtual R&D teams in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and
draws conclusions, giving special attention to the structure of virtual
teams required to support education-industry collaboration. We report
the relevant results of an online survey study. The online questionnaire
was emailed by using a simple random sampling method to 947
manufacturing SMEs. The findings of this study show that SMEs in
Malaysia and Iran are willing to use virtual teams for collaboration and
the platform for industry-education collaboration is ready and distance
between team members or differences in time zones, are not barriers to
industry-education collaborations.

Abstract: This
paper provides a comprehensive review on different aspects of virtual
teams based on authentic and reputed publications. The purpose of the
state-of-the-art literature review is to provide an overview of what is
known about the structure and dynamics of R&D collaboration in SMEs.
SMEs are the backbone of the world business. The focus of the
investigation is on virtual R&D teams in SMEs. After providing a
definition and importance of virtual teams, research and development
(R&D), small and medium enterprises (SME) and new product
development (NPD), the relationship between them will be examined. This
paper seeks to address some of the gaps in the existing extensive
literature on virtual teams as a general and virtual R&D teams in
new product development in SMEs, as a concentrate topic. Covering
previous literatures, the research gaps derive and propose the way of
further studies and recommend are provided. Along extending future
research some managerial implication will be discussed. It is argued
that the preparation for virtual R&D team working should be given
consideration in the management of R&D new product development
projects.

Abstract: The
number of publications is the first criteria for assessing a researcher
output. However, the main measurement for author productivity is the
number of citations, and citations are typically related to the paper's
visibility. In this paper, the relationship between article visibility
and the number of citations is investigated. A case study of two
researchers who are using publication marketing tools confirmed that the
article visibility will greatly improve the citation impact. Some
strategies to make the publications available to a larger audience have
been presented at the end of this paper.

Abstract: This
paper presents the results of empirical research conducted during March
to September 2009. The study focused on the influence of virtual
research and development (R&D) teams within Malaysian manufacturing
small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The specific objective of the
study is better understanding of the application of collaborative
technologies in business, to find the effective factors to assist SMEs
to remain competitive in the future. The paper stresses to find an
answer for a question “Is there any relationship between company size,
Internet connection facility and virtuality?” The survey data shows SMEs
are now technologically capable of performing the virtual collaborative
team, but the infrastructure usage is less. SMEs now have the necessary
technology to begin the implementation process of collaboration tools
to reduce research and development (R&D) time, costs and increase
productivity. So, the manager of R&D should take the potentials of
virtual teams into account.

University of Malaya (UM) - Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology

Ale Ebrahim, Nader

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

15 Apr 14

60

(214,071)

Abstract: Every
organization needs suppliers and no organization can exist without
suppliers. Therefore, the organizations approach to suppliers and the
selection of the appropriate supplier, its acquisition processes and
policies, and its relationships with suppliers, is of vital importance,
both to organizations and suppliers alike. No organization can be
successful without the support of its supplier base, operationally and
strategically, short or long-term.To select the best supplier, it is
essential to make an analytical decision based upon tangible and
intangible criteria. Chose and management of a supplier has to be
congruent with organizational strategy. Therefore, the vision and
strategy of the manufacturer are the key drivers for how the supply
function will be managed and how supply decisions are made and
exectuted. The proposed model in this study was applied in a steel
manufacturing company in Malaysia with the goal of reducing time in
choosing the correct supplier for the company. This study aims to
provide a systematic model stimulating correct supplier selection using
the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method along with a series
of sensitivity analyses which were conducted using the Expert Choice
(EC) program to evaluate the impact of changes in the priority of
criteria for the suppliers' performance and order quantities.

Aims: The main goal of this research is to develop a systematic
model towards the best supplier selection. To facilitate the aim of the
research, we utilized the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process, which was a
combination of AHP and Fuzzy Theory in order to deal with the
uncertainties and vagueness of decision makers’ judgement.

Study Design: Mention the design of the study here.

Place and Duration of Study: The data samples were taken in a steel manufacturing company in Malaysia.

Methodology: A Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy approach is used using a
quantitative and qualitative criteria for selecting and evaluating a
suitable supplier selection and a six step was conducted to ensure
successful implementation.

Results: The results indicate that the model is able to assist
decision makers to examine the strengths and weaknesses of supplier
selection by comparing them with appropriate criteria, sub-criteria and
sub sub-criteria.

Conclusion: We developed a Fuzzy AHP multi-criteria decision making
model for supplier evaluation and selection in the ABC steel company in
Malaysia. The advantage of the proposed model over other models like the
AHP is that, by adoption of fuzzy numbers, it effectively improves the
flexibility of the conventional AHP in dealing with the uncertainty and
ambiguity associated with different decision makers’ judgments.

Abstract: In
today’s dynamic marketplace, companies are under strong pressure to
introduce new products for long-term survival with their competitors.
Besides, every company cannot cope up progressively or immediately with
the market requirements due to knowledge dynamics being experienced in
competitive milieu. Increased competition and reduced product life
cycles put force upon companies to develop new products faster. In
response to this pressing need there should be some new approach
compatible in flexible circumstances. This paper presents a solution
based on the Stage-Gate system, which is closely linked with virtual
team approach. Virtual teams can provide a platform to advance the
knowledge-base in a company and thus to reduce time-to-market. This
article introduces conceptual product development architecture under a
virtual-team umbrella. The paper describes all the major aspects of new
product development (NPD), NPD process and its relationship with virtual
team, Stage-Gate system and finally presents a modified Stage-Gate
system. It also provides the guidelines for the successful
implementation of virtual team in new products development.

Abstract: This
paper discusses plagiarism origins, and the ethical solutions to
prevent it. It also reviews some unethical approaches, which may be used
to decrease the plagiarism rate in academic writings. We propose eight
ethical techniques to avoid unconscious and accidental plagiarism in
manuscripts without using online systems such as Turnitin and/or
iThenticate for cross checking and plagiarism detection. The efficiency
of the proposed techniques is evaluated on five different texts using
students individually. After application of the techniques on the texts,
they were checked by Turnitin to produce the plagiarism and similarity
report. At the end, the effective factor of each method has been
compared with each other; and the best result went to a hybrid
combination of all techniques to avoid plagiarism. The hybrid of ethical
methods decreased the plagiarism rate reported by Turnitin from nearly
100% to the average of 8.4% on 5 manuscripts.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Posted:

08 Apr 11

58

(217,683)

Abstract: In
the highly competitive global market, only organizations survive in
which, knowledge has replaced labor and natural resources as the key
source of sustainable growth and development. The organizations that
have learned doing things differently and doing different things. In
such organizations knowledge and learning are widely considered as
sustainable sources of competitive advantage. In this paper first we
take a look at the history and the pioneers of knowledge management in
Iran analyzing the evolutionary trend of knowledge management and its
current condition in Iran. Then we trace the emphasis put on knowledge
management in the fourth economic, social and cultural development plan
proposed by the Iranian Government with an analytical approach. Next but
still important we present the summary of the 5th Seminar of the
Industries and Mines Research and Development Centers by the name of
Research and Development and Knowledge Management which was held on 23
and 24th of Nov. 05 in Tehran by The R&D Society of Iranian
Industries and Mines with the help of the Deputy Office for Planning,
Research & Development of the Ministry of Industries & Mines and
the Deputy Office of Research of the Ministry of Science, Research
& Technology. Since we were directly involved in the above mentioned
seminar from both scientific and executive point of view we believe
this seminar is the most up to date case study about knowledge
management in Iran.

Knowledge Management, Iran, The Fourth Economic,
Social and Cultural Development Plan, The 5th Seminar of the Industries
and Mines Research and Development Centers, The R&D Society of
Iranian Industries and Mines.

Abstract: Companies
will not survive long unless they join a threefold revolution in
management itself, innovation, and information technology. Innovation
plays a central role in economic development, at regional and national
level. In the competitive environment companies are obliged to produce
more rapidly, more effectively and more efficiently in new product
development which is a result of research and development (R&D)
activities. It is necessary for them to put together different
capabilities and services with the goal, through cooperation between
suppliers and customers, service providers and scientific institutions
to achieve innovations of high quality. Depending on the type of
industry, the type of business, the type of innovation and the strategic
objectives that have been set, firms will regularly have to modify the
way in which their R&D and innovation is organized and how
information technology should managed. Nowadays shift from serial to
simultaneous and parallel working in innovation has become more
commonplace. Literatures have shown that collaboration is as a
meta-capability for innovation. This article after define a virtual
teams and its characteristics, addressing virtual environments
innovation and the relationship to R&D activities. Finally conclude
that managers of company should invest less in tangible assets, but more
in R&D and virtual team to generate knowledge, and in their
employees’ creativity to stimulate incremental innovations in already
existing technologies that will directly generate their future
competitive advantage.

Abstract: Innovation
plays a central role in economic development, at regional and national
level. In the competitive environment companies are obliged to produce
more rapidly, more effectively and more efficiently in new product
development which is a result of research and development (R&D)
activities. It is necessary for them to put together different
capabilities and services with the goal, through cooperation between
suppliers and customers, service providers and scientific institutions
to achieve innovations of high quality. Depending on the type of
industry, the type of business, the type of innovation and the strategic
objectives that have been set, firms will regularly have to modify the
way in which their R&D and innovation is organized. Nowadays shift
from serial to simultaneous and parallel working in innovation has
become more commonplace. Literatures have shown that collaboration is as
a meta-capability for innovation. By a comprehensive reviewing of
literature this article after define a virtual teams and its
characteristics, addressing virtual environments innovation and the
relationship to R&D activities. Finally conclude that innovation
cannot be successful unless the knowledge and information in the R&D
project are effectively captured, shared and internalized by the
R&D project’s virtual team members.

Abstract: Innovation
is becoming the most important key issue for company’s success in the
21st century. In the competitive environment is necessary for the
enterprises to put together different capabilities and services with the
goal. It’s a widely accepted that innovation is better achieved by
working in team. The employed web services technology, although very
popular nowadays but it is still not mature enough, so dealing with it
can bring new findings. Virtual teams base on information technology are
formed to facilitate transnational innovation processes and it should
be noted that innovation has a positive impact on corporate performance.
Information and communication technology has brought about significant
changes in organizations and produced important benefits, including in
the areas of innovation which is recognized as a prime source of
national competitive advantage. This contribution proposes a conceptual
model for understanding and analyzing the process of virtual R&D
team as an innovation and technology assimilation facilitator. The
context of the knowledge-based economy introduces a major shift from
serial to simultaneous R&D in the way of idea conception to
technology creation is conceived. This paper briefly reviews the
existing perspectives on virtual teams and their effect on innovation
and technology. It also discusses the main characteristics of virtual
teams and clarifies the differences aspects of virtual team application
in the topic. To support the theoretical analysis, this paper provides a
comprehensive review based on authentic and reputed publications. We
argue that scanty research has been conducted to facilitate
understanding the problem of systematically governing creative
innovation toward a technology through virtual R&D teams.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

11 Nov 13

53

(227,294)

Abstract: The
aim of this study is to examine the effect of Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) development on country’s scientific
ranking as measured by H-index. Moreover, this study applies ICT
development sub-indices including ICT Use, ICT Access and ICT skill to
find the distinct effect of these sub-indices on country’s H-index. To
this purpose, required data for the panel of 14 Middle East countries
over the period 1995 to 2009 is collected. Findings of the current study
show that ICT development increases the H-index of the sample
countries. The results also indicate that ICT Use and ICT Skill
sub-indices positively contribute to higher H-index but the effect of
ICT access on country’s H-index is not clear.

Abstract: Research
and Development (R&D) management in Iran has faced many barriers
and obstacles, in which R&D units are considered as the basic core
of the product development and innovation. Due to structural
shortcomings, a great number of organizations and industries have not
yet been able to position themselves in the market. There are about 1141
R&D units throughout Iran, due to the geographical decentralization
of these units this paper considers and analyzes the R&D case study
in one of the provinces located in the north part of Iran, and the
findings can be generalized to the other industrialized areas and zones
in Iran. In this province, there are about 2504 industrial units of
which there are only 44 R&D units certified by the state government.
However, there is limited number of these R&D units that are
extensively active. This paper also addresses the current status in
respect with the R&D activities to find out why little attention has
been paid to these activities in the industrial units. Considering the
opportunities and challenges of these R&D units reveals that there
is a need to activate these units so that they can quickly respond to
changes in the market. Finally, a few alternative solutions and
improvement plans are proposed, in which the Iranian R&D Society is
responsible for supporting and fostering these action plans towards the
organization goals. The research methodology was based on a previous
field research conducted in Hamedan province, and after the analysis of
the research results, a model for the efficiency of R&D units will
be presented.

Abstract: Research
and Development (R&D) management in Iran is faced to many barriers
and obstacles, in which R&D units are considered as the basic core
of the product development and innovation. Due to structural
shortcomings, a great number of organizations and industries have not
been able to find their actual status.

There are about different
1141 R&D units with a dispersion pattern in Iran. This paper
considers and analyzes the R&D case study in one of the provinces
located in the north part of Iran in order to enhance the potential
R&D activities in respect with the industrialized areas and zones.
In this province, there are about 2504 industrial units of which there
are only 44 R&D units certified by the state government. However,
there are limit numbers of these R&D units that are extensively
active. This paper also addresses the current status in respect with the
R&D activities to find out why there is a lack and depression of
these activities in the industrial units. By considering the opportunity
and challenges of these R&D units, there is a need to change these
units to be active in order to quickly respond the market and demand
requirements. Finally, a few alternative solutions and improvement plans
are proposed, in which the Iranian R&D Society is responsible for
supporting and succeeding these action plans towards the organization
goals.

Abstract: The
Information area has revolutionized the workplace. Douglas Kruse, a
professor of human resources and the director of the program for
disability research at Rutgers University, states that 7% of employed
persons with disabilities work 20 hours or more a week from home. While
some modern countries have established “virtual teams”, which are said
to be comprised of people who are geographically scattered and who work
across boundaries of space and time using computer driven communication
technologies, it is also true that many developing countries remain
structured around conventional face-to-face teams. A motive toward
virtual team working may be cost effectiveness. Increasing transport and
human resource costs makes face to face contact less attractive unless
they are essential. In an environment of urging to move into the
direction of governing the activities via electronic moves,
consideration of the individuals who deliver their services to the
society in the form of virtual teams are of the primary value which
should accelerate the E culture while E government is aimed at. By
reviewing literature and theories, this paper present the definition and
characteristics of virtual teams. A comparison of different types of
virtual teams along with the application, strengths and limitations of
them regarding as the promising elements of e activities are elaborated.
Persons with disabilities are entitled to and capable of the same
career options as their non-disabled counterparts and increasing numbers
of them are taking advantage of virtual workplaces therefore creating a
condition to facilitate the cultivation of e moves in the society.

Abstract: National
and global collaboration in research and development (R&D) is
becoming increasingly important in creating the knowledge that makes
research and business more competitive. Multinational enterprises have
increased their research and development (R&D) investment in
different countries. These multiple sites encourage the development of
more ideas, due to the varied international backgrounds in global
networks and the knowledge spillovers. In order to secure the viability
of business processes, services and products R&D teams need to
access and retrieve information from as many sources as possible. From
the other perspective virtual teams are important mechanisms for
organizations seeking to control scarce resources across geographic and
other boundaries. Moreover, virtual collaboration has become vital for
most organizations. This is particularly true in the context of
designing new product and innovative services. In this paper all the
major aspects of Virtual R&D team are discussed in technical terms.
The paper provides an integral definition and characterization of
virtual R&D team. The potential value that is created by virtual
R&D teams for new product development is explored. Lastly, pertinent
practical guidelines and implications are presented.

Abstract: Innovation
is becoming the most important key issue for company's success in the
21st century. In the competitive environment it is necessary for the
enterprises to put together different capabilities and services with the
goal. It is widely accepted that innovation can be better achieved by
working in team particularly in the virtual environments. The employed
web services technology, although very popular nowadays but it is still
not mature enough, so dealing with it can bring new findings. Virtual
teams base on information technology are formed to facilitate
transnational innovation processes and it should be noted that
innovation has a positive impact on corporate performance if it is well
guided. This has the pronounced effect when it comes to the learning
issues as the virtual preconditions persist. In this environment the
possibility of getting closer to the interest of learner from the new
environment raise as the barriers being imposed by the service provider
is reduced and the freedom of what is require to learn is improved.
Information and communication technology has brought about significant
changes in organizations and produced important benefits, including in
the areas of innovation which is recognized as a prime source of
national competitive advantage. This contribution proposes a conceptual
model for understanding and analyzing the process of virtual R&D
team as an innovation and technology assimilation facilitator when it
comes to the issue of conveying innovative message for learning by
individuals. The context of the knowledge-based economy introduces a
major shift from serial to simultaneous R&D in the way of idea
conception to technology creation is conceived. This paper briefly
reviews the existing perspectives on virtual teams and their effect on
innovation and technology regarding the learning capability which is
being altered. It also discusses the main characteristics of virtual
teams and clarifies the different aspects of virtual team application in
the topic. To support the theoretical analysis, this paper provides a
comprehensive review based on authentic and reputed publications. We
argue that scanty research has been conducted to facilitate
understanding the problem of systematically governing creative
innovation toward a technology through virtual R&D teams in the
atmosphere of educating individuals based on what they interest them to
learn.

Abstract: Small
and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are a major part of the industrial
economies. Their survival and growth has therefore been a prominent
issue. Research and development (R&D) enables firms to create new
technologies and/or to build on existing technologies obtained through
technology transfer. Nowadays unpredictable environment suggests that
many firms seek new ways of conducting their business through some kind
of R&D activities to make a profit and stay ahead of the
competition. To survive in the global economy SMEs have to improve their
products and processes exploiting their intellectual capital in a
dynamic network of knowledge-intensive relations inside and outside
their borders. SMEs need to focus on core competences for efficiency
matters; they need to cooperate with external partners to compensate for
other competences and resources. Responding to the increasing
de-centralization and globalization of work processes, many SMEs have
responded to their dynamic environments by introducing virtual teams.
Virtual teams are growing in popularity. By a comprehensive literature
review this article following define a virtual teams, SMEs and its
characteristics, addressing a sustainable infrastructure for promoting
SMEs. Finally conclude that managers of SMEs should invest less in
tangible assets, but more in the areas of expanding virtual R&D
activities which will directly generate their future competitive
advantage. Future research need to elaborate the effect of virtual
R&D team working on the performance of SMEs.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

21 Mar 13

47

(239,915)

Abstract: The
literature related to virtual R&D teams reveals a lack of depth in
the definitions (Ale Ebrahim et al., 2010). Although virtual teamwork is
a current topic in the literature concerning global organizations, it
is problematic to define the meaning of 'virtual teams' across multiple
institutional contexts (Chudoba et al., 2005). The concept of a team is
described as a small number of people with complementary skills who are
equally committed to a common purpose, goal, and working approach for
which they hold themselves mutually accountable (Zenun et al., 2007). It
is worth mentioning that virtual teams (VTs) are often formed to
overcome geographical or temporal separations (Cascio and Shurygailo,
2003). VTs work across boundaries of time and space using modern
computer-driven technologies (Ebrahim et al., 2010). The term VTs is
used to cover a wide range of activities and forms of
technology-supported working (Anderson et al., 2007).

Abstract: This
paper presents the results of empirical research conducted during March
to September 2009. The study focused on the influence of virtual
research and development (R&D) teams within Malaysian manufacturing
small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The specific objective of the
study is better understanding of the application of collaborative
technologies in business, to find the effective factors to assist SMEs
to remain competitive in the future. The paper stresses to find an
answer for a question “Is there any relationship between company size,
Internet connection facility and virtuality?” The survey data shows SMEs
are now technologically capable of performing the virtual collaborative
team, but the infrastructure usage is less. SMEs now have the necessary
technology to begin the implementation process of collaboration tools
to reduce research and development (R&D) time, costs and increase
productivity. So, the manager of R&D should take the potentials of
virtual teams into account.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Posted:

08 Apr 11

47

(239,915)

Abstract: Nothing
is permanent except change. Many authors stress that the reason for the
failure of many change initiatives can be found in resistance to
change. Resistance to change introduces costs and delays into the change
process that are difficult to anticipate but must be taken into
consideration. Undoubtedly the resistance to change is key topic in
change management and should be seriously considered to help the
organization achieve advantages of the transformation. Considering the
importance of resistance to change, this paper aims to delve deeper in
this field through theoretical exposition of the concept, elaborating
more on the literature involving change, types of change coming up with
the major reasons why change initiatives fail in some organizations. As
the next step we define resistance and we classify its types and as the
final analysis we introduce a new managerial approach for overcoming the
resistance to change and ensuring the according-to-plan implementation
of a change initiative.

Abstract: Publication
productivity, as measured by the number of papers, has been regarded as
one of the main indicators of reputation of countries and institutions.
Nevertheless, the relationship among research publications, economic
growth and World Wide Web in ASEAN countries is still unclear. The main
intention of this study was to identify publication productivity among
ASEAN and the world’s top ten countries in the last 16 years
(1996-2011). This study also aimed at finding the relationship among
publication, gross domestic product (GDP) and internet usage.
Furthermore, the publication trend in the 10 first Malaysian
universities was evaluated for the same periods. Scopus database was
used to find the overall documents, overall citations, citations per
document and international collaboration from 1996 to 2011 for each
country. The World Bank database (World Data Bank) was used to collect
the data for GDP and the number of internet users. Moreover, to evaluate
10 top Malaysian universities, the number of published articles,
conferences, reviews, and letters for the same periods was collected.
The results of this study showed significant differences among ASEAN and
top 10 countries regarding publication productivity. Moreover, a
positive and significant relationship was observed between indices, GDP
and internet usage for these countries. Surprisingly, international
collaboration had a significant and negative relationship with economic
growth. Malaysia had fewer citations per document (7.64) and
international collaboration (36.9%) among ASEAN countries. In
conclusion, international collaboration between academic institutes and
researchers is influenced by economic growth and access to internet in
the countries. Furthermore, publication trends in ASEAN countries are
promising. However, policy makers and science managers should try to
find different ways to increase the quality of the research publication
and to raise citation per document.

Abstract: Use
of common parts for different products (commonality) is important
methods for managing product variety and preserving competitiveness in
the age of mass customization and supply chain competition. In
literature, the advantages of inclusion of common components in a
product family are well established. Unfortunately, most of the works
have been conducted via simulation or conceptual thinking. The
mathematical models in the premises are not adequate for production,
planning and control in multistage production. This paper focuses on the
advancement of venerable manufacturing resources planning models by
incorporating the part commonality concept in a multi-product,
multi-period and multi-stage manufacturing system under a deterministic
situation. The models are validated with established MRPII models. The
material requirement schedule for the basic MRP II and proposed models
are compared. It is really a good matching shown between the two
schedules. The later bearing additional information of the location
where to be available the parts in a time frame. The effects of
commonality on cost, capacity and requirement schedule are discussed
based on the outcomes of the mathematical models executed with the
available live data.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Posted:

04 May 11

44

(246,555)

Abstract: A
conceptual model is proposed which facilitate the process of technology
transfer by applying a virtual R&D team. The underlying hypothesis
is responded to competitive challenges, the complex customer
requirements and the high instability on the market. The context of the
knowledge-based economy introduces a major shift from serial to
simultaneous R&D activities in the way technology transfer is
conceived. The traditional model of R&D team work is relies on the
visual and face-to-face teams. The complexities involved in organizing
face-to-face interactions among team members from one side, and the
rapid developments of electronic communication technologies from the
other ,caused firms to turn towards employing virtual R&D teams. The
paper postulates that in the new perspective, virtual R&D team to
be considered as a specific technology transfer means. It depends on the
ways firms and other institutions are managing them, in particular the
co-evolution of their absorptive capabilities and their technology
conveying strategies. To support the theoretical analysis, this paper
provides a comprehensive review based on authentic and reputed
publications.

Abstract: The
internationalization of R&D network is a recent phenomenon. In this
knowledge based environment, the driving forces for this phenomenon are
digitization, the internet, and high-speed data networks that are keys
to address many of the operational issues from design to logistics and
distribution. From the other direction to surviving in the highly
competitive industry, requires strategies to collaborate with or compete
with suitable firms within a network in the New Product Development
process. The growing internationalization of R&D activities
challenges multinational corporations (MNCs) to formulate technology
strategies and manage increasingly diffuse and diverse networks of
R&D laboratories and alliances in the context of disparate national
institutions. Research and development functions are fundamental drivers
of value creation in technology-based enterprises. Successful R&D
is a function of invention and R&D network. This paper studies
R&D network issues from the perspective of their impact on value
creation. It is observed that most of the research activities encourage
and support R&D networks and influences in economic development.

Abstract: Integration
is the essence of current research and development (R&D) activity
in many organizations. Integration can be established in various ways
depending on the type, size and intricacy in organizational functions
and products. Nevertheless, research and development (R&D) has
become an inevitable function in most manufacturing companies in order
to develop their own product niches for their survival in the prevailing
highly competitive market environment. Research and development
functions are fundamental drivers of value creation in technology-based
enterprises. Of creating and maintaining a vibrant R&D environment,
organizations individually or collectively need to incorporate virtual
R&D team. A virtual R&D team can introduce new product in less
lead time than by conventional R&D working. Therefore, how to
increase the possibility of having more successful R&D is a critical
issue for enterprises. This paper examines the current approach of
collaboration in R&D issues from the perspective of their impact on
virtual R&D team in enterprises and compares the findings with the
other concepts of concurrent collaboration. By reviewing literature and
theories, the paper firstly presents the definition and characteristics
of virtual R&D teams. A comparison of different types of virtual
R&D teams along with the strengths and limitations of the preceding
studies in this area are also presented. It is observed that most of the
research activities encourage and support virtual R&D teams
applicable to enterprises. Distinctive benefits of establishing virtual
R&D team have been enumerated and demand future attention has been
indicated in the paper.

Abstract: New
product development (NPD) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
virtual team has not been systematically investigated in developing
countries. Literatures have shown no significant differences between
traditional NPD and virtual NPD in general. New product development
especially for SMEs virtual team are somewhat lacking in the literature
and constitute a research gap. This paper aims to bridge this gap. This
study first reviews the NPD and its relationship with virtuality and
then identifies the critical factors in definition of NPD in SMEs
virtual team. The statistical method was utilized to perform the
required analysis of the data from survey. The results are achieved
through factor analysis at the perspective of NPD in some of Malaysian
and Iranian manufacturing firms. The 20 new product development factors
were grouped into five higher level constructs. It gives valuable
insight and guidelines which hopefully will help managers of firms in
developing countries to consider the main factors in NPD.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

20 Dec 10

40

(255,713)

Abstract: This
paper explores potential advantages and barriers of virtual teams
toward making an interrelation between small and medium-sized firms
(SMEs) with a comprehensive review on different aspects of virtual teams
in SMEs based on authentic and reputed publications. The purpose of the
state-of-the-art literature review is to provide an overview of what is
known about the structure and dynamics of virtual collaboration in SMEs
which they are the back bone of the world business. This study seeks to
address some of the advantages of virtual R&D team in the existing
extensive literature on the increase SMEs interrelations. Besides of
identify benefits of virtual R&D team in SMEs, propose the way of
further studies and recommend improvements. We argue that the routines
used to promote interrelation between SMEs, based on virtual
collaboration can sometimes create problems for firms as they ignore new
challenges. We elaborate various theories on the virtual R&D team
by reviewing the precedent papers.

Abstract: New
interaction tools such as internet allows companies to gain valuable
input from research and development (R&D) engineers via virtual
teams. Consequently engineers also get more expertise in diminutive
time-frames. Virtual R&D teams present the key impetus to the
technology acquisition process. The present knowledge-economy era is
characterized by short product life-cycles. Virtual R&D teams may
reduce time-to-market, make available a large pool of new product
know-how and provide greater flexibilities which are the key success
factors in a competitive market. This comprehensive review contains
almost 100 references and covers the recent literature with emphasis on
topic. The review has focused on authentic and reputed publications and
extracts the results. This article presents the type of virtual teams
and their main features and explains how virtual R&D team can play a
prominent role in developing new products. The article is evolved
future study guideline and also illustrates how to apply virtual
interaction tools and integrate engineers into the innovation process.
Management of virtual R&D teams in new product development (NPD)
processes in an innovative, effective and efficient is of a high
importance, but the issue has been poorly addressed in the previous
studies. Findings show that virtual R&D team provides valuable input
for new product development and R&D engineers are able to attain
virtual experience.

The Society of Iranian Industries & Mines - Research & Development Centers

Posted:

10 Apr 11

36

(265,952)

Abstract: Since
the ancient times Iran has always played a significant role in the
Transportation Industry due to its strategic position in the silk road
that connected Asia to Europe and Middle East to Ancient. Iranians are
believed to be the pioneers of land transportation in the world and
transportation has always been considered as one of the most ancient and
historical Industries in Iran. Nowadays in the third millennium
Transportation Industry experts believe that Iran is once more located
in a strategic and geopolitical position in the world in which,
according to the economic analyses, the Transportation Industry brings
over three hundred billion dollars revenue annually. Iran's share out of
this considerable revenue is just 1 percent, statistically 30% of
Iran's transportation market is captured by Turkey and Azerbaijan Trucks
and Trailers, In addition to this Iran has approximately no share in
the freight transportation from Europe to Middle Asia. In this paper we
first picture current condition of transportation fleet in Iran then we
elaborate on the reasons contributing to this loss of market all
according to statistical analysis of the up to date facts and figures,
gathered through the survey we recently conducted in Iran. As the next
step we go through a SWOT (strength weaknesses opportunities and
threats) analysis of one of the biggest commercial vehicle manufacturers
in the Middle East, ending up with highlighting and analyzing some of
the strategies that can be or have been devised with the purpose of
capturing a larger proportion of market share in the Transportation and
becoming the market leader as a change around in the recent years, and
their economic impacts.

The
number of citations has over 30% share in Times Higher Education (THE)
world university ranking system. Therefore, most of the researchers are
looking for some helpful techniques to increase their citation record.
Nader is developing a module for increasing the visibility of the
research which directly influences the number of citations. This article
reports just some of the key points of the module for improving the
citation counts.

Abstract: This
study uses citation analysis from two citation tracking databases,
Google Scholar (GS) and ISI Web of Science, in order to test the
correlation between them and examine the effect of the number of paper
versions on citations. The data were retrieved from the Essential
Science Indicators and Google Scholar for 101 highly cited papers from
Malaysia in the field of engineering. An equation for estimating the
citation in ISI based on Google scholar is offered. The results show a
significant and positive relationship between both citation in Google
Scholar and ISI Web of Science with the number of versions. This
relationship is higher between versions and ISI citations (r = 0.395,
p<0.01) than between versions and Google Scholar citations (r =
0.315, p<0.01). Free access to data provided by Google Scholar and
the correlation to get ISI citation which is costly, allow more
transparency in tenure reviews, funding agency and other science policy,
to count citations and analyze scholars’ performance more precisely.

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering

Posted:

10 Apr 11

26

(296,558)

Abstract: Automobile
industry is an exhaustive industry bringing development for any
country. The industrial capabilities needed for development rest in this
branch of industry. The Iranian automobile making companies move in
line with this aim. But in recent decades, in addition to development of
automobile industry, the pollution too has occupied the minds of the
authorities of these companies. Some measures, investments, researches,
and exhaustive studies related to the pollution problem have been made
to produce an automobile of higher technology and lower pollution.

Abstract: In
recent years, along with the trend toward clean air and less dependency
to imported oil products, there has been increasing willing to use
substitute fuels in transport industry. Automobile industry is an
exhaustive industry bringing development for any country. The industrial
capabilities needed for development rest in this branch of industry.
The Iranian automobile making companies move in line with this aim. But
in recent decades, in addition to development of automobile industry,
the pollution too has occupied the minds of the authorities of these
companies. Some measures, investments, researches, and exhaustive
studies related to the pollution problem have been made to produce an
automobile of higher technology and lower pollution.

Abstract: Measuring
the number of papers which are published each year, publication
productivity is the factor which shows the reputation of universities
and countries. However, the effect of growing economy and using internet
on the publication productivity in Asian countries has not been
discovered yet. The present research is going to figure out the
publication productivity among the elite universities in Asian countries
and also ten top universities around the world in the last twenty years
(from 1993 to 2012). Furthermore, the current research is aimed to
study the relationship among publication, gross domestic product (GDP)
and internet usage. It is worth to mention that the publication of the
top Ten Malaysian Universities was regarded for the similar period of
time. To get the exact numbers of documents like papers, conference
articles, review papers and letters which are published by the
universities in the last twenty years, the writer of the same paper used
the Science Direct database. Moreover, the data for GDP and the number
of internet usage was collected through the World Bank database (World
Data Bank). To compare all kinds of publications, one-way ANOVA was used
and to investigate the impact of economic growth and internet usage on
publication productivity, multiple regression analysis was applied. The
results showed that the rate of publication growth was 1.9, 20.9, and
65.5% in top universities in the world, ASEAN countries and Malaysia,
respectively. The results also showed that there was a positive and
significant correlation between GDP and the number of internet users
with the number of publications in ASEAN and Malaysian universities.
Internet usage had much more influence in comparison with the GDP in
predicting the number of publications among these groups except for top
ten Malaysian universities from 2003 to 2012. In summary, publication
trends in top ten Malaysian and ASEAN universities are promising.
However, policy makers and science managers should spend much more
percentage of their GDP on Internet facilities and research studies that
their outputs lead to more rapid economic growth and internet usage.

linking to Scoop.it profile

Subscribe To this Blog

About Me

Nader Ale Ebrahim has
a Technology Management PhD degree from the Department of Engineering
Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya
(UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He holds a Master of Science in the
mechanical engineering from University of Tehran, Iran.